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How to Find Pigeon Nests

City pigeons are feral rock doves, which were once domesticated but have since returned to the wild. Wild pigeons build their nests on ledges and along rocky cliffs, usually high above where most predators can reach. If you are looking for pigeon nest in a city, try looking at places similar to those rocky ledges of the wild, such as the ledges of high buildings, on top of storefront signs, or beams under bridges. Look for nests during the nesting season, which is usually mid-April to mid-May.

Things You'll Need

Binoculars
Camera (Optional)
Ladder (Optional)

Instructions

- 1
  
  Pigeons both roost and nest on building ledges.
  
  Check the ledges of high-rise buildings, especially in corners, nooks, cracks or holes -- like most birds, pigeons prefer to build their nests in snug places like this that offer some protection from wind, rain and predators. Pigeon nests are made mostly of sticks piled loosely together into round bundles, although their nests are not as cup-like as the nests of perching birds. If you observe a circle-shaped bundle of sticks on a high-rise ledge, you may be looking at a pigeon nest.
- 2
  
  Pigeons will often nest under bridges.
  
  Look up. As most city-dwellers know, pigeons are a common sight around bridges. They also like to nest underneath them, especially on the beams and rafters. This unique nesting site offers protection from the elements as well as privacy from passers-by. Although pigeons will nest in areas with heavy traffic, nest searchers may have more success searching abandoned or low-traffic areas. Look for nests underneath foot bridges in parks, as well as underneath larger ones intended for automobiles.
- 3
  
  Air conditioners provide a perfect ledge on which pigeons can nest.
  
  Search around air-conditioning units, especially those installed on upper stories of a high-rise building. Empty air-conditioner containment boxes also work. Like those on the ledges of high-rise buildings, these nests can usually only be checked only if you have access to a window near the nest. Nests on air conditioners are usually easier to access than those on ledges, since the units are usually installed in a window.
- 4
  
  Check for pigeon nests in gutters and eaves.
  
  Gaze upon roof lines. Pigeon nests can often be found on roofs, eaves and gutters. Although these nesting sites do not offer as much protection from the elements, they do offer structural support and significant protection from predators. Home and business owners are usually quick to clear pigeon nests from eaves and gutters, so you may have more luck looking for nests on top of buildings that are abandoned or not maintained.
- 5
  
  Pigeons build nests in many kinds of places, including statues.
  
  Examine the crevices of statues, in the letters of storefront signs, and on top of light fixtures. Be creative about where you look, and use clues, like tracks, feathers, and trails of sticks and hay, to help guide you. Be sure to watch the pigeons themselves carefully. If you are a good tracker, they will often lead you to their nest.

Animals & Science